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Distortion product otoacoustic emissions stimulated through bone conduction
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Ear and Hearing
|October 31, 1998
Summary
Bone conduction successfully elicits distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), offering a novel method for auditory assessment. This technique shows potential for clinical use due to unique properties like bilateral stimulation.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Bioacoustics
Background:
- Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) are objective measures of cochlear outer hair cell function.
- Traditional DPOAE measurement relies on air conduction for stimulus delivery.
- Exploring alternative stimulus delivery methods is crucial for advancing audiological diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of using bone conduction for eliciting DPOAEs.
- To compare DPOAEs generated via bone conduction with those from air conduction.
Main Methods:
- DPOAEs were recorded from 23 normally hearing adults.
- Stimulus tones were delivered via both bone and air conduction.
- Input-output functions were examined by varying stimulus frequency and magnitude.
Main Results:
- Bone-conducted DPOAEs exhibited characteristics similar to air-conducted emissions.
- Nonlinear DPOAE growth was observed with increasing stimulus magnitude.
- Bilateral bone conduction did not saturate emission suppression mechanisms.
- Ear canal occlusion had minimal impact on emission magnitude.
Conclusions:
- Bone conduction is a viable method for eliciting DPOAEs.
- Challenges in precise calibration of bone conductors exist for direct comparison.
- Bone conduction's unique properties, including bilateral stimulation, may offer clinical advantages for DPOAE measurement.